Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Junie B. is the text’s protagonist and is, in many ways, a typical five-year-old. She longs for physical and emotional autonomy and to have those around her honor her feelings and experiences. Just like most adults and children when they reach school age, Junie B. feels the Human Desire for Independence and Control. When other people, children or adults, fail to respect her feelings and wishes, she becomes upset and somewhat defiant. However, this defiance does not arise from a wish to rebel; instead, it results from Junie B.’s belief that her feelings and wishes are valid and that the people around her should honor them. Like any adult, she longs to be heard by those around her. Like many children, she has a keen sense of justice: For example, when she claims a particular classroom chair before the school year starts, she expects a child who was not present then to respect her claim. Her emotions and responses to others demonstrate Children’s Highly Developed Sense of Fairness. Unlike an adult, who would likely realize that they cannot claim a chair when no one is around and then expect everyone to honor their choice, it seems simple to Junie B.